University of Wisconsin President Ray Cross on Tuesday asked the Legislature's budget-writing committee to approve a new public authority for the UW System, a "dedicated and stable funding stream" and to reduce the governor's proposed $300 million budget cut over the next two years.

Shortly after he finished his testimony, a handful of protesters burst into the room shouting, "No cuts, no deals." Followed by four Capitol police officers, the protesters marched past the table where Cross was sitting to give testimony before the Joint Committee on Finance.

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp. and has to reimburse the company, Koss Chief Executive Michael Koss should also be ordered to personally pay the public company he runs, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

Grant Thornton, Koss Corp.'s former auditor, should also have to pay a portion of any award that may be ordered, Park Bank argued in the latest twist in a long-running court fight stemming from Sachdeva's massive embezzlement.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," the bank said in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss, in this case, those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(6)

Packers treating tie like a loss

Green Bay - By virtue of a tie, the Packers were able to a gain a slight bit of ground on the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears in the NFC North, but o one in the locker room was looking at it that way.

The somber tone and quick exit of the players made it seem as though it were a playoff loss. The hushed tones and slow, deliberate movements as the players exited the locker room made avoiding a loss feel as though it meant nothing.

"It does feel like a loss," CB Davon House said. "There's no other way to say it."

The Packers rallied from down 23-7 to take the lead 26-23 in overtime, but the defense couldn't hold and allowed the Vikings to drive 63 yards on 12 plays for a game-tying field goal.

Even with Matt Flynn at quarterback, the Packers managed just 27 yards on their final possession and had to play for a tie when they faced fourth and 18 on their own 27. They punted with 7 seconds left and then stopped the Vikings on their final play.

"It's kind of a weird feeling when the overtime ends and you're walking off the field and the fans don't know whether to cheer or boo for you," LB Clay Matthews said. "You don't come to grips with how you should feel. Is it a victory? Is it a loss?"

Many in the locker room were willing to say the latter.

"At the end of the day, all we want is a win," said RB Eddie Lacy, who had 110 yards on 25 carries.

The Packers remain in second place in the NFC North at 5-5-1. The Lions, who lost at home to Tampa Bay, and the Bears, who lost at St. Louis, are both 6-5.

Had the Packers found a way to win, they would be in a three-way tie for first with a chance to get on a winning streak Thursday in Detroit.

"I guess it's good, but at the same time we've got to handle our business and we have to win the ball game," rookie CB Micah Hyde said.

Asked his feelings about the tie, he said: "We play to win. That's the No. 1 thing. We come out here every Sunday, Monday, whatever day it is to win a ballgame. It's kind of the same feeling as losing of you don't win. We needed to win, but we didn't come out with it."

About Tom Silverstein

Tom Silverstein is in his 25th year covering the Green Bay Packers and 30th year with the Journal Sentinel. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year award winner.